Pinterest Youtube

Where To Shop For Sustainable Fashion: The Brands I Love And Trust

When I was first starting out on my sustainable fashion journey I assumed my only options were buying from super expensive sustainable fashion brands, thrifting everything, or giving up shopping altogether. After four years of shopping sustainably and ethically I can confirm that this is far from true. Below is a list (which I’ll update regularly) of the sustainable and ethical fashion brands that I trust. I haven’t shopped from all of them, but all of these brands meet my own personal conscious consumerism values.

Remember - the best way to become a more sustainable and conscious consumer is to buy less in the first place.

This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase something through a link I will receive a small commission. Additionally there are some discount codes. If you purchase an item using my discount code I will receive a small commission. All opinions are my own.

looking for something specific?

pin this post

clothing

  • Aliya Wanek – Clothing made ethically from natural fibers.
  • Beaton Linen – size inclusive – Beaton Linen designs season-less linen clothing. The linen is produced in Europe, dyed with eco-friendly dyes in the U.S., and manufactured in Vancouver, B.C.
  • Boody – Boody is an eco/ethical brand that uses viscose derived from bamboo for all of their basics — everything from leggings to tee shirts to socks and underwear. I love their basics, but love that they have a co-branded USC collection in the USC bookstore even more. Read my post about Boody here, and see what Boody’s USC co-branded gear looks like here. Shop through my affiliate link here.
  • CHNGE – CHNGE tees are made from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton, they are transparent about their factories, and donate 50% of their net profits to “to charitable organizations committed to making the world a better place through education, facilitating equality, and/or protecting the environment”.
  • CBAAF (Come Back As A Flower) – Vintage tees and hand-dyed recycled cotton sweat sets produced ethically in Los Angeles.
  • Day/Won – size inclusive – Day/Won activewear is made to order from recycled materials in New York. Their prints are digitally printed without water. They have such fun designs and their products are modeled by women of all sizes.
  • Dazey LA – Dazey LA is Danielle Nagel’s passion project. These graphic tees are designed by women, made to order in LA, and printed on organic fabrics. The Dazey Lady shop is a curated collection of clothes and accessories designed by women. Use code “Acteevism” to get 10% off your order.
  • Eileen Fisher – I have heard a number of Eileen Fisher employees speak at sustainable fashion events and have consistently been impressed with their commitment to sustainability and circularity in all of their products. Shop the Renew (take-back products) collection here and the ‘Waste No More’ (upcycled) collection here.
  • Elexiay – Handmade crochet clothing (dresses, matching sets, sweaters) made-to-order. Because all of these products are crocheted the material can be recycled and remade into something new.
  • Esby Apparel – Esby Apparel is made in small factories in Los Angeles and New York in small batches. They have a range of different styles, from flowy linen dresses to reversible jumpsuits.
  • For Days – For Days is an incredible circular fashion brand. When you’re done with their products you send them back to be recycled in a closed-loop, waterless, and chemical-free system. You then get a credit and can buy new products for a fraction of the price.
  • Foundationals – Foundationals sweaters are made from 100% recycled yarn. Their mailers, hang tags, labels and tote bags are all made from 100% recycled materials.
  • Free Label – size inclusive – Free Labels sells small batch essentials made from natural fibers in Canada. Many of Free Label’s products are versatile, allowing you to tie them in different ways or wear them both forwards and backwards, which I LOVE.
  • Girlfriend Collective – size inclusive – Girlfriend Collective activewear is made from recycled post-consumer water bottles and is available in sizes XXS – 6XL. Their factory is incredible (and managed by a woman!) and pays their workers in Vietnam a living wage, provides them with catered lunches, and provide free health check-ups and guided exercise breaks. Read my review of their limited edition charity set & learn more about the brand in my post here. You can also shop Girlfriend at Nordstrom. Get $10 off your first purchase of $95 or more by shopping through this link.
  • Grant BLVD – Grant BLVD is a clothing brand working to bring justice to incarcerated populations. Grant BLVD donates a book with every purchase to Books Through Bars, an organization that believes knowledge is more powerful than mass incarceration. They remake old men’s button-down tops into updated women’s styles, and sell sustainable tee’s with fun slogans. I wear this “Mad Sustainable” tee from them all the time.
  • Hackwith Design House – size inclusive – Hackwith Design House products are made to order in Minnesota. They have a ton of different styles, including swimwear, casual wear, and light blazers and jumpsuits that could pass for business casual.
  • Kotn – Kotn is a certified B Corporation that produces ethically made quality essentials from Egyptian cotton (which they trace throughout the entire supply chain).
  • Loud Bodies – size-inclusive – Loud Bodies is a sustainable, make to order fashion brand based out of the UK. Their cottagecore-esque dresses and separates are available in sizes XXS-10X and the team is able to customize items if you request.
  • Mara Hoffman – Fifteen years after Mara Hoffman had established a successful brand known for her wild patterns and bright colors, the brand became committed to implementing more sustainable and responsible practices. They use responsibly sourced organic, recycled and regenerated materials whenever possible, they have high standards for their factories and partner with organizations that help them reach their goals.
  • MATE The Label – MATE likes their clothes like they like their relationships: non-toxic. MATE partners with factories within a five-mile radius from their Arts District Headquarters in DTLA, and they produce their clothing in small batches each season. See what I got at their sample sale here. Learn more about them in this TikTok. Get 15% off with code 15Megan.
  • OhSevenDays – OhSevenDays products are made from headstock materials like cotton and linen. They design small collections of styles that are multi-functional and easily style-able.
  • Pact – Fair trade organic cotton basics for men, women, kids and babies. Pact is a great sustainable starter brand as their basics are high quality and reasonably priced!
  • Pansy Co – Pansy Co sells activewear, loungewear, underwear and more with organic cotton grown in the US. Each item is sewn in California. Pansy products are available in sizes S-XXXL
  • Patagonia – Patagonia has extensive corporate social responsibility and sustainability initiatives. They use recycled fabrics and organic cotton in many of their products and inform their customers about important political and environmental happenings.
  • Poplinen – Poplinen makes essentials from sustainable materials like organic linen, organic cotton and TENCEL. These basics are made in Los Angeles.
  • prAna– Yoga, travel, and adventure clothing brand prAna is a triple threat when it comes to sustainability: they seek out materials from sustainable sources, ensure that their employees are treated fairly, and work to improve their industry. They also use organic cotton and recycled materials for their clothes.
  • Rae Collective – Rae stands for responsible, authentic, and ethical. Rae Collective sells vintage clothing and just launched their own sustainably and ethically made line of clothing. Their eco-collection is made entirely from deadstock fabric.
  • Sami Miro Vintage – Luxe statement fashion pieces made in LA from reclaimed materials.
  • Sotela – size inclusive – Sotela uses fabrics like tencel, modal, and linen that have minimal impacts not he environment. Their products are handmade in California and can be customized to the length you want.
  • Tradlands – Tradlands is all about quality clothing that is designed to last. They have responsible manufacturing standards and they’re all about “cost per wear” and encouraging their customers to get tons of wear out of their products.
  • Tuesday Bassen LA – size inclusive – TBLA designs clothing with adjustable fit in mind. They use deadstock vintage and materials made in California whenever possible and produce ethically in Los Angeles.
  • Two Days Off – Made-to-order clothing made from deadstock materials in LA. A climate neutral company!

Denim

  • Boyish – Boyish is a sustainable denim company based in LA. Out of all the sustainable brands I’ve come across, I am the most impressed with Boyish’s initiatives. They have a lot of different certifications, they make an effort to inform their consumers and Instagram followers about sustainability, and their ultimate goal is to be zero waste. They also release annual sustainability reports. Read my review of Boyish here.
  • Ética Denim – ÉTICA is rooted in the ideals of fair labor practices and environmentally conscious manufacturing. Their goal is to eliminate the use of harmful chemicals to protect their consumers’ health and the environment, which I especially appreciate as I have learned more about how chemicals in clothing can impact your body!
  • Kings of Indigo – Kings of Indigo denim is so sustainable I don’t even know where to start for this little blurb. Check out their entire sustainability section on their website here.
  • Re/Done – Re/Done sells some of the coolest upcycled and vintage denim I’ve ever seen. They are a total cool-girl Instagram brand.

swim

  • Arrow + Phoenix Swimwear – Swimwear made from recycled plastic bottles. Inclusive sizing, available from XS – 3XL for bra sizes A-H.
  • Fair Harbor – Fair Harbor swimwear is made from recycled plastic bottles. The sister/brother co-founder duo visit the factories where their products are produced regularly. I just bought a bikini from their recently launched women’s swim line and love it. Also, this company was started by a girl I went to middle school with! **Update: it looks like they’ve discontinued their womens styles, but they have great mens swimwear!
  • Fisch – Fisch styles are made from Econyl, recycled nylon made from fishing nets, industrial plastic waste and fabric scraps. Fisch swim is also UV protective (UPF 50+) and is resistant to chlorine and sunscreen. They have a ton of fun and unique prints.
  • Galamaar – Galamaar suits are made from Econyl, recycled nylon made from fishing nets, industrial plastic waste and fabric scraps. These suits are also made in LA.
  • Girlfriend Collective – size-inclusive – Already mentioned a few times in this post, Girlfriend Collective is a great slow fashion brand. See my review of their swimwear collection here.
  • LDLA Swim –  this swimwear company is “changing the swim scene from a realm of insecurity to a platform of confidence”. Their swimwear has numberless sizing, body positive design details, and uses regenerated nylon fabric.
  • Londre – Londre makes minimalist swimsuits in timeless stripes and solid colors from recycled plastic bottles. They ethically manufacture their products in Vancouver, BC.
  • Mara Hoffman Swim – size-inclusive – Mara Hoffman makes swimwear from REPREVE recycled polyester (post-consumer plastic bottles) and ECONYL recycled nylon (from fishing nets). These suits are made in the US and come in the best prints and silhouettes.
  • Mitra The Label – size inclusive – Mitra The Label swimsuits are made to order in the UK made from recycled materials. Their bikini tops are really versatile so there are a bunch of styling options!
  • Natasha Tonic – Natasha Tonic swim is made with hemp and organic cotton, which makes it anti-microbial, UV resistant, and biodegradable. They use a low-impact dyeing technique, make their suits in small batches (and make some to order) to reduce waste, and manufacture ethically in Los Angeles.
  • The Natural Swim – Swimwear ethically made from recycled fishing nets in Bali with various coverage options. (coming soon)
  • Nu Swim – size inclusive – Nu Swim makes swimwear from recycled ocean waste and regenerated nylon and manufacture all of their garments in California and NYC.
  • Ohoy Swim – Ohoy Swim is made from Econyl, recycled nylon made from fishing nets, industrial plastic waste and fabric scraps.
  • Ookioh – These retro yet minimalist swimsuits are made from recycled polyamide (nylon) which comes from things like old fishing nets and manufacturing waste.
  • Saltwater Collective – size-inclusive – Saltwater Collective swimwear is made from ECONYL (regenerated pre- and post-consumer Nylon waste).
  • Summersalt Swim – size inclusive – Made for women by women, with recycled materials and recycled product packaging. Summersalt swim also comes in size 0-24.
  • Vitamin A Swim – This swim is made sustainably and locally (in the US) from recycled polyester. All other products (beach blankets, cover ups etc.) are also made from sustainable fabrics such as Tencel, organic cotton & polyester made from plastic bottles.

Intimates & Underwear

  • ARQ – size inclusive – ARQ “base layers” (aka underwear) is made in the US, is GOTS certified, and the dye process is either GOTS certified or BlueSign certified.
  • Boody – Boody’s bamboo fiber underwear is incredibly soft. I love their shaper bras and full high rise briefs.
  • Girlfriend Collective – size inclusive – Girlfriend Collective just launched underwear and socks made from recycled post-consumer water bottles. These items are available in sizes XXS – 6XL. Get $10 off your first purchase of $95 or more by shopping through this link.
  • Hara The Label – size inclusive – Hara The Label has transparent supply chain practices and produces their underwear, bras, and bodysuits ethically in Australia from bamboo-derived materials. Their products are naturally dyed.
  • Knickey – Knickey makes fair trade certified organic cotton underwear. They also have a recycling program where you can send in your old undies to be turned into insulation. Get 10% off with code ACTEEVISM10.
  • Organic Basics – Organic Basics only uses grade A and B materials for their products and sources from responsible factories that guarantee no child labor and that their emploeyees are paid a living wage. Use code ACTEEOBC for 10% off your order.
  • Pact – Fair trade certified organic cotton basics.
  • Pansy Co – Pansy Co sells underwear and bras (in addition to loungewear and activewear) made from organic cotton grown in the US and sewn in California. Every item is garment dyed with non-toxic dyes. Their products are available from S-XXXL.
  • Parade – size inclusive – Parade underwear is made from 85% recycled materials, they are Oeko-Tex certified (aka free from harmful chemicals) and their packaging is compostable . Parade is a champion for diversity and inclusion with their XS-3X size range and their choice of models, and to top it off 1% of their profits are donated to Planned Parenthood.
  • Proclaim – size inclusive – Proclaim intimates are made ethically in Los Angeles in a range of nude colors. Their products are made from TENCEL and Repreve recycled polyester. They are available in S-3X.
  • Thinx – size inclusive – Thinx underwear is created for people that have periods, tackling both the waste problem caused by periods (think about how many tampon applicators or pads you’ve thrown out in your lifetime!!) as well as the pink tax on period products. Thinx is manufactured sustainably and ethically in Sri Lanka and has an extensive giveback program. Watch this video about my journey to a zero waste period. Get $10 off your order through this link.

shoes

  • Allbirds – Allbirds sneakers are made from sustainable materials — wool, Eucalyptus tree fiber and sugarcane-based soles. Allbirds is a certified B corps and their packaging is made from 90% post-consumer recycled cardboard. They are a champion for collaboration and information-sharing, which is rare to come by in the fashion industry but incredibly important for sustainable change.
  • ALOHAS – ALOHAS shoes are made to order in Spain. On-demand production (and ALOHAS’ pre-order system) leads to more accurate demand planning so there is significantly less waste with production. As waste is one of the biggest issues in the fashion industry, and sales on leftover inventory can lead to overconsumption, ALHOAS really sets customers up for conscious consumption. They also work with Leather Working Group certified suppliers.
  • AVRE – AVRE, which stands for “Authentic, Versatile, Responsible, and Empowered, is a sustainable sneaker brand. Their shoes are made responsibly from recycled plastic bottles.
  • Brother Vellies – Heels, embroidered cowboy boots, and sandals made from a variety of vegetable-tanned leather and by-product materials.
  • Cariuma – Cariama sneakers are responsibly made in all senses of the word. They are ethically produced using natural materials like rubber, cotton, and Leather Working Group certified leather. The emissions from shipping are offset, and they have vegan footwear options as well. With every order, two trees are planted in reforestation efforts in Brazil.
  • Rothys – Rothys are made from recycled plastic bottles and are machine washable (but make sure you are doing something to protect from microplastics getting out!). They come in mens, womens and kids styles and have some of the brightest patterns I’ve ever seen on shoes.
  • Veja – Veja shoes are fair trade, environmentally friendly made from organically sourced raw materials. No chemicals are used, and no pollution occurs in the process of creating these shoes (or the materials used to make these shoes). They also have a line of vegan sneakers.
  • Zou Xou – Slow fashion shoes produced in small quantities in Argentina.

Accessories

  • AAKS – Handcrafted bags made in Ghana made with ecologically grown raffia from family farmers.
  • Brother Vellies – Accessories including handbags and small leather goods made from a variety of vegetable-tanned leather and by-product materials.
  • Genusee – Genusee sunglasses, eyeglasses and blue-light blocking glasses are made in Flint, Michigan from single-use plastic water bottles. Each pair of glasses upcycles 15 plastic water bottles AND helps create local jobs in Flint. See what my Genusee glasses look like here.
  • The Giving Keys – The Giving Keys creates jobs for individuals transitioning out of homelessness in Los Angeles. Their jewelry features keys stamped with inspirational sayings, and the intention is to pay the message (and eventually the piece of jewelry) forward. Read about my full circle moment with my Giving Keys necklace here.
  • Jane Dottie Vintage – Jane Dottie sells the most incredible scrunchie’s made from vintage fabrics. They come in 5 sizes!
  • Sammi Maria Jewelry – Ethically crafted jewelry with a bit of a luxe/vintage vibe.
  • Serendipitous Jewelry Project – handmade, made-to-order jewelry and one-of-a-kind vintage jewelry finds.
  • Tree Fairfax – Made-to-order minimal leather goods. Naturally imperfect leather hides are incorporated into every bag to reduce waste.

Secondhand & Vintage

  • Almu – Preloved clothing, shoes, accessories and homewares.
  • Casa Yosie Vintage – Vintage and thrifted home goods and clothing.
  • Elia Vintage – Minimalist vintage clothing.
  • Funny Pretty Nice – Vintage and secondhand clothing with the BEST colors and patterns.
  • Jane Dottie Vintage – Jane Dottie sells vintage clothing and home accessories and to scrunchies made from vintage fabrics.
  • MAW Supply – Men and women’s vintage apparel and accessories.
  • Neutral Ground – Intentionally curated women’s vintage and designer clothing and accessories.
  • Small Needs – Vintage clothing and accessories.
  • Washington Ave – Upcycled and vintage finds.
  • Vintage and Soul – Handpicked curated vintage.

Secondhand apps

  • Depop – Depop has become my favorite app for buying and selling secondhand clothing. It’s like the instagram of secondhand fashion and some people are just so dang creative with their photos and styling on there. Shop my closet on Depop here.
  • Poshmark – Poshmark is another app where you can buy & sell clothes. To ensure you are buying secondhand clothing, when you search for items search for “closet” items not “boutique” items. If you haven’t signed up for the app yet, use code MEGMCSHEGS to get $10 off your first purchase. Shop my closet on Poshmark here.
  • The RealReal – The RealReal is a luxury consignment e-commerce site. You can sell your brand name clothing or buy pre-loved (sometimes new with tags) designer and brand name clothes at a discount.
  • Swap Society – Swap Society is an online thrift swapping market. You send in the clothes you’re ready to part with, they assign each item a point value, and you shop for other clothing on the site with your points. Swap Society is also a certified Los Angeles Green Business. Read my entire post about Swap Society here.
  • ThredUp – ThredUp is a great online secondhand shop. I have scored some great pieces for an absolute steal, but tt can take some searching. You can also sell your clothes to ThredUp like a consignment store, but I have not made any significant money by doing this. Get $10 off your first purchase here.

Brands With Secondhand Markets

12 Responses

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Navigate

stay connected

Youtube Pinterest Linkedin Threads

sign up for the newsletter

    © ACTEEVISM